Mary Doyle aged 30, and her daughter Anne Elizabeth aged 2 months and 20 days, died within one week of each other in 1852. Henry Doyle, the devoted husband of Mary, and an exceptionally talented soldier was born near Canterbury from a Catholic family. He died in 1870 in Middlesex. His entire life was spent in the Army, and was for a time spent here in Carmarthen as a Colour Sergeant of the 48th Regiment of Foot Guards during the Rebecca Riots. Ten years previous to arriving in Carmarthen Regimental records show he was serving in Gibraltar with the rank of Corporal. On leaving Carmarthen in in 1853 the Regiment was meant to be sent to India but due to the outbreak of the Crimean War their destination was changed and so they embarked for Constantinople to bolster the British forces in the Crimea where, after a gruelling campaign they returned to the UK. During Henry’s time in Carmarthen he lost both his devoted young wife Mary and daughter Anne Elizabeth in the same week. Mary passing away on the 17th November 1852 and his daughter Anne Elizabeth the week before on the 11th November aged just two months old. Their daughter Anne was born on August 22nd and baptised in St David’s church on October 17th. Both wife and daughter are buried here in St David’s cemetery as can be seen from the headstone inscription. The family were devoted Catholic’s but because the local Catholic Church and cemetery of St Mary’s just next door, was not opened until the following year in 1853 they were buried here, as were of course those from all other faiths. I would like to think that Henry would have re-married but I am certain he would never have forgotten the time he spent in Carmarthen and that he left behind him a devoted wife and infant daughter that would forever be in his heart. One rather interesting fact about Henry is the article that was published in the local press in September 1852 describing the arrival of his Regiment – the 48th Regiment of Foot, into Carmarthen who famously rode the first ever train into the newly opened Carmarthen Junction Railway Station on September 17th. It is truly an unbelievable account of the day’s proceedings not least the fabulously sumptuous feast that followed – the like of which has never been seen before or since. What follows is the official account of the opening ceremony of the Railway that Henry played such an important part in. Wherever he lies buried, may he also rest in peace and rise in glory…….
Official opening of the Carmarthen Junction Railway Station. Published by the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian. September 17th 1852……….”The train reached this place (in ancient times probably the most important in South Wales) at about half-past two, and its arrival was greeted by the deafening plaudits of assembled multitudes. The weather was beautifully fine; and the scenery of this rural district appeared most favourably to strangers. All the heights along the cutting which adjoins the station were thronged with anxious spectators. Thousands of individuals were present to demonstrate the deep interest they took in the proceedings, and to evince their determination to welcome the new mode of communication by all the means in their power. After the lapse of a few minutes the procession was reformed, and headed by the magnificent band of the 48th Regiment of Foot under the careful direction of Colour Sergeant Doyle, proceeded to the town of Carmarthen. We need scarcely say that there were present all the celebrities of the southern Principality, and that their reception in the town was of the most enthusiastic description. Two large sheds in the New Market were specially fitted up for the occasion by Mr. Collard,Borough Surveyor, the decorative department being entrusted to the experienced hands of some workmen in the employ of Mr. Edgington of London, the celebrated marquee manufacturer. The result was that a banqueting room of immense dimensions was secured to cater for the 850 guests which presented almost the appearance of a fairy palace. Each of the supporting columns of the fabric was clothed in white, around which were spirally twisted bands of red, lilac, green, and blue alternately, presenting a very variegated and pleasing prospect to the eye. The capital of each column was surmounted by an enormous bouquet of rare flowers, while festoons of different colours connected them with each other. Over the President’s seat were some very tasteful devices and richly varied dahlias We have rarely seen decorative taste more exquisitely displayed than in this instance, and the tout ensemble was such as to draw forth the warm commendations all present. The tables, as laid out by Mr. Valentine Rees and his assistants, were without exception beautiful to behold. They literally “groaned”underneath the good things provided for the delectation of the guests; and the choice confectionery, the exquisite fruits, the vast supplies of poultry and game, together with the immense quantity of glistening glass with which the tables were loaded, formed a coup-d’ceil of a grand and imposing effect. Some idea of the magnitude of the entertainment may be derived from the perusal of the bill of fare, which was as follows ……Fifty Tongues; sixteen Hams; twenty dishes of Lamb; sixteen pieces of Roast Beef; eight dishes of Roast Veal; eight dishes of Boiled Beef; sixteen gelatine of Veal; sixteen Collared Spiced Beef; four Boars’ Heads; sixty couples of Fowls; fifty ditto of Ducks; twenty raised Pies; twelve Pigeon Pies; twelve Game Pies; ten Chickens in jelly; sixty-five Lobsters; thirty Crabs; sixteen dishes of Soused Turbot; thirty Salads; sixty moulds of Jelly sixty Blancmange and Creams; fifty Tarts and Pastry; sixteen Trifles; sixteen dishes of Mutton; sixteen Turkeys; thirty braces of Partridges Oyster Patties thirty Lobster Salads sixty-four Ices; Pine Apples one cwt. of Grapes one hundred dishes of Peaches; one hundred ditto of Nectarines; two hundred ditto of Apples; one hundred ditto of Pears; two hundred ditto of Filberts; one hundred ditto of Raisins; one hundred ditto of Almonds; one hundred ditto of Figs, &c., &c., &c.; two hundred ditto of Cakes; one hundred ditto of Biscuits; one hundred ditto of French Plums. On the whole, it may be fairly stated that such a sumptuous and magnificent feast has never previously taken place in Carmarthen.
The Headstone inscription reads as follows. Interestingly, Mary is mentioned first though she died a week after her daughter Elizabeth.
SACRED
To the memory of MARY Wife of
Col Sergt Henry Doyle 48 Regiment
who departed this life on the 17th
November 1852 Aged 30 years
She died in humble reliance on the
Mercies of God through faith
in the Merits of her Redeemer
Also, ANNE ELIZABETH – Daughter
of the above named who died
on the 11th November 1852
Aged 2 months and 20 days